Ref. UfM/FT/2026/08. The UfM Secretariat is seeking a Head of Unit, Finance & Contracts for its headquarters in Barcelona. Reports to the Director of Administration. Grade CS2.2, Step 1; annual gross salary 69,358 euros; contract under the Staff Regulations and Implementing Rules.
The Head of Finance manages the activities and teams of three Units: Finance, Procurement & Contracts, and Grants & Funds Management. The role provides operational leadership across these functions and oversees budgeting, accounting, treasury and cash management, financial reporting, procurement, contracts, and grants and funds management. This is done in line with sound financial management principles, applicable financial rules, donor requirements and the UfM's internal control framework.
Key responsibilities:
- Advise the Director of Administration and senior management on financial planning, budgetary discipline and resource allocation; lead long-term financial planning and annual budgeting.
- Lead, develop and supervise Unit staff; manage performance and foster a results-oriented, client-focused environment.
- Oversee implementation of financial rules, policies and internal controls; apply IFRS and/or IPSAS; coordinate internal and external audits and follow up on recommendations.
- Oversee treasury operations, bank relationships and cash-flow forecasting.
- Oversee accounting operations, financial statements and reporting, including donor reporting and compliance with grant agreements.
- Build productive relationships with colleagues, donors, auditors and service providers; contribute to digitalisation initiatives from a finance perspective.
Requirements:
- National of a UfM Member State.
- Bachelor's and Master's degrees, at least one in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Auditing or a closely related field. A professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CPA, CA) is highly desirable.
- Minimum 14 years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, treasury, procurement, contract management and grants management, including at least 8 years at senior managerial level.
- Experience in international organisations, EU institutions or agencies, development agencies, public administrations or donor-funded operations.
- Proven experience in financial accounting and financial statements, IFRS/IPSAS, budget formulation and execution, procurement and contracts, and grants management.
- Knowledge of the EU PRAG (Practical Guide to Contract Award Procedures for EU External Action).
- Full proficiency in English and at least one other UfM working language (Arabic, French or Spanish). Knowledge of Mediterranean countries is an advantage.
- Strong leadership, communication, negotiation and analytical skills, and high standards of integrity.
Complete applications must be submitted by 12 October 2026 (midnight, Central European Summer Time -
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the application portal on the UfM website (ufmsecretariat.org). Include a detailed CV in English (PDF only, file name including your name, e.g. 'Name Surname-CV') and a motivation letter in English (PDF only, with a clear mention of the profile applied for and full postal address, e.g. 'Name Surname-cover letter'). Do not send supporting documents at this stage. Do not contact UfM departments, units, selection panel members or staff directly. Complete applications must be submitted by 12 October 2026 (midnight CEST). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. In case of a technical issue while submitting, email hr.recruitment@ufmsecretariat.org with the position title in the subject line and attach your CV and cover letter in English.
https://ufmsecretariat.org